Diplomatic World_69

SHABAB OMAN II
VISITS THE PORT OF ANTWERP
As part of its sixth international voyage under the theme of
“Oman, Land of Peace”, the Royal Navy of Oman ship Shabab
Oman II was docked in the Port of Antwerp from 21 to 25 July
2022, in preparation for the launch to of the second phase of
its participation in the 2022 Tall Ships race organised by Sail
Training International, which counts with the participation of
a number of crews, sailing ships from different countries of
the world.
Sail Training International (STI) is a non-profit organisation gives
young people the opportunity to learn to sail, regardless of their
(social) background, nationality, culture, religion and gender. The
focus of The Tall Ships Races is not on the competition, but on
the educational, sporting and social aspect. In doing so, STI
fosters mutual understanding, respect and friendships that break
down national boundaries.
During its docking at the Port of Antwerp, the Shabab Oman II
opened its doors to receive visitors and for those having interest
in sailing ships, reflecting the bridges of brotherhood and the
message of peace among the peoples of the world within its
sixth international tour, which kicked off last April from the Said
bin Sultan Naval Base; and was completed in October.
The ship’s captain welcomed the visitors in the presence of H.E.
Najim Al Abri, Oman’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium
and Head of its mission to the European Union. Annelies Verlinden,
Belgian Minister of the Interior, Institutional Reforms, and
Democratic Renewal; a number of ambassadors of brotherly and
friendly countries; diplomats residing in the Kingdom of Belgium,
and a number of businessmen also visited the ship. The Minister
and visitors were introduced to the facilities on the second Oman
Youth Ship and its training programmes and tourist attractions in
the Sultanate of Oman.
Its first international voyage took place in 2015 under the theme
‘Cooperation Sail 2015’, when it sailed to a number of ports of
the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries with the participation
of a number of members of the Sultan’s Armed Forces and
security staff and trainees from the GCC countries, the United
Kingdom, Germany, Hungary, Australia, Uruguay, the Republic of
South Africa, Canada and the Czech Republic. During its journey,
which began on 9 October 2015, the Ship visited Al-Shuwaikh
Port in Kuwait; King Abdul Aziz Port in the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia; Salman Port in Bahrain; Doha Port in Qatar and Sheikh
Zayed Port in the United Arab Emirates. While anchoring in these
ports, many visitors came to see the ship in order to learn about
its different sections and the equipment which enabling it to sail
with ease and efficiency. The Ship returned to Sultan Qaboos
Port in Muscat on 20 November 2015.
At the conclusion of the 2022 Tall Ships Race in Aalborg
(Denmark), during the final prize giving ceremony, the most prestigious
award of the 2022 Tall Ships Races – the Friendship
Trophy – was awarded to Shabab Oman II. This principal award
at the end of each race series epitomises the objective of the
races and is awarded to the vessel which has done most to
help further international understanding and friendship during
the races.
In 2013 Shabab Oman II replaced the previous ship of the same
name, after a long series of accomplishments. In fact, Shabab
Oman II is one of the longest sailing ships of the clipper class,
with a length of 85.5 metres. It contains three masts, the highest
of which is 51.2 metres long, it carries 16 main square sails, as
well as ten triangular sails on the bow (the front of the ship) and
between the three masts. Its distinctive V-shaped hull makes it
comparable to other clippers in the world. The accommodation
is spread across the ship providing space for 54 crew members
and 36 trainees. It also has special accommodation for female
trainees and four VIPs.
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